Major National Space Centre revamp begins

WORK has started on a revamp of the National Space Centre.

The entrance hall of the attraction, off Abbey Lane, is being refreshed and refurbished to make it more welcoming.

Bosses say more space will be created by the work, which will be completed in time for the summer holidays.

The project, called Launch Pad, is designed to help the centre handle increasing visitor numbers.

It will significantly increase the cafe seating area, as well as adding a new exhibition space as part of a wider £7.8 million investment.

The changes will provide a flexible ticketing process for peak and offpeak periods, and bosses say it will significantly improve access around the centre.

Chief executive of the National Space Centre Chas Bishop said: “Launch Pad seeks to address some of the challenges we currently have at the National Space Centre.

“It will create a highly visible entrance, a purpose built queuing space and ticket sales point.

“It will also look to enhance customer experience and add more space for us to be able to display some truly world class artefacts.

“We have a great success story to tell, as we approach welcoming our 4 millionth visitor, but we also want to continue developing and making the attraction appropriate, accessible and enjoyable to all our visitors.”

Builders started on site last week and will be working with the National Space Centre to minimise disruption to visitors.